Seth Rollins, John Cena & Latest WWE News & Rumors from Ring Rust Radio

Bleacher Report featured columnists Mike Chiari, Donald Wood and Brandon Galvin give the lowdown on everything going on in the wrestling world. Also, artist Rob Schamberger joined the show to offer his inside perspective on the business.

With another unpredictable episode of Ring Rust Radio in the books, you can't afford to miss another second of the action. Catch us live every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET (some language NSFW) or follow us on Twitter @RingRustRadio.

We may just read your questions and comments live on the air. Visit our new website at RingRustRadio.com. You can also email us here: RingRustRadio@Yahoo.com.

Upcoming Guests/Events

April 21: WWE and Marine 4: Moving Target star the Miz

April 28: Lucha Underground and former WWE star Johnny Mundo

Stipulations Set for Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton Match

One week after Randy Orton became the No. 1 contender for Seth Rollins' WWE World Heavyweight Championship, the two combatants laid out stipulations for their impending clash at Extreme Rules. Rollins cleverly banned Orton's RKO from being used in the match, while the Viper opted to make it a Steel Cage match in an effort to prevent the Authority from getting involved in the contest.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Do These Stipulations Enhance the Match?

Although the feud between Orton and Rollins has been going on for quite some time and they already had a match at WrestleMania, there was still some level of excitement surrounding their Extreme Rules bout prior to Raw. They seem to have strong chemistry in the ring, and the assumption was that a stipulation would be added to the contest in order to enhance it. With that said, it isn't exactly the stipulation that most fans expected.

The Extreme Rules pay-per-view is usually headlined by an Extreme Rules match, which is essentially a street fight. The thought of that type of match being contested by Orton and Rollins was enticing, given they are both capable of excelling in that environment. They could still put on a fine performance within the confines of a steel cage, but that stipulation could end up hindering them more than it helps them.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

The biggest issue with the cage match is that it has become an absolute mockery over the years. Almost every match of that nature involves some type of interference, so WWE's Apex Predator looks silly for suggesting that it will keep J&J Security, Kane et al. out of the proceedings. Though Rollins is almost certain to win and retain the title, the odds are very much in favor of him exiting the match looking somewhat pathetic because of all the help he is sure to get.

As bad as the cage stipulation is, banning the RKO is an interesting wrinkle that could add something to the bout. There will undoubtedly be at least one spot in which Orton will be forced to restrain himself from hitting Rollins with his signature move. The downside, though, is that he could very well be disqualified in a Steel Cage match, which would be an extremely cheap ending to the pay-per-view.

Rumor Mill

Backstage news regarding Rollins' WrestleMania cash-in (Wrestling Observer Newsletter via WrestlingInc.com)

John Cena and Rusev to Clash in Russian Chain Match

Having faced each other at the past two pay-per-views, John Cena and Rusev will make it a trilogy at Extreme Rules. Their match at the upcoming PPV could very well spell the end of their feud, so it is only fitting that it will have a stipulation attached to it. On Raw, the Bulgarian Brute and Lana declared that the United States Championship bout will be a Russian Chain match.

Question on Everybody's Mind: How Does This Stipulation Influence the Outcome?

Cena got some revenge against Rusev at WrestleMania by becoming the first Superstar to beat him by pinfall or submission, winning the U.S. title in the process. The series is tied, so this third match is hugely important as it will have a significant impact on where Rusev goes from here.

In similar situations over the years, Cena has won the rubber match and sent his opponent plummeting down the card. It is still possible that could happen to Rusev, but it would certainly make more sense for him to win and regain the United States Championship.

Although Cena has done well to add some prestige back to the title, he clearly doesn't need it. Rusev's character benefits greatly from holding the strap, and winning a series of matches against Cena would go a long way toward the Bulgarian Brute achieving true legitimacy.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

Regarding the Russian Chain match stipulation, there is certainly cause to have some mixed feelings. On the negative side, matches that feature the combatants being bound together with straps or chains generally aren't great. There may be a few exceptions, but the wrestlers tend to be limited in what they can do, and it will be difficult for Cena and Rusev to put on a great encounter.

At the same time, the Russian Chain match stipulation is somewhat exciting as it maintains the possibility of Rusev winning. Had Cena declared that it was going to be an "I Quit" match, then Cena coming out on top would be obvious. If nothing else, the Bulgarian Brute is very much in the running to win based on the stipulation alone.

The Russian Chain match also opens the door for someone to interfere, which is likely the only way WWE will allow Cena to lose. Regardless of how it happens, though, a win would be huge for Rusev, and it most definitely isn't off the table.

Rumor Mill

Original plans for Cena on Raw (WrestlingInc.com)

Roman Reigns Transitioned Into Feud with Big Show

After falling just short of winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania, many figured Roman Reigns would get another crack at the title at Extreme Rules. After losing a Triple Threat match for the No. 1 contendership, though, he has instead been moved down the card and will take on Big Show in a Last Man Standing match at the pay-per-view instead.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is This the Best Use of Reigns?

Reigns has been at odds with Big Show since before the Royal Rumble, and while it seemed as though they might have a match at Fastlane, Reigns was instead booked in a much more enticing match against Daniel Bryan.

While Reigns and Big Show haven't had a one-on-one pay-per-view match against one another yet, they have locked horns on numerous occasions on both Raw and SmackDown over the past few months.

The main issue is that most of the matches have been subpar, and nobody has been given a reason to care about their rivalry. That changed to some degree on Raw, when Big Show declared that he wanted to make Reigns the biggest failure in WWE history. He followed that up by jumping the Royal Rumble winner and chokeslamming him onto the roof of a car at the top of the entrance ramp. If nothing else, that finally added some much-needed heat to the feud.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

In a perfect world, Reigns would have been added to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Rollins and Orton to make it a Triple Threat. That would have added to the entertainment value of the main event, and it also would have added some unpredictability as well. WWE clearly wants to move Reigns away from the main event scene temporarily, though, and it apparently believes a feud with Big Show will benefit him.

The match may not be great, and few are going to be excited about it, but the one positive regarding Reigns versus Big Show is that fans will likely be behind Reigns. The former Shield star has gotten a raw deal in terms of fan reaction, but the WWE Universe is so indifferent about Big Show it is likely to support Reigns.

Also, Reigns is almost assured of a victory, which could get him back on track. It may not be great, but a clash with Big Show isn't the worst option if it is only a brief holdover.

Rumor Mill

Backstage news regarding Reigns' family (Wrestling Observer Newsletter via WrestlingInc.com)

Ring Rust Radio's Season 8 Fantasy WWE Standings

1. Joe Arcidiacono: 60

2. Donald Wood: 45

3. Mike Chiari: 30

4. Brandon Galvin: 10